IF laughter can help people feel better then Dr Phil dispenses the right medicine.

His advice on how not to use the NHS and how to survive if you have to had the packed audience in stitches - not bad considering he was once called Ten Thumbs for his standard of sewing patients up.

As a comedian, writer, broadcaster and campaigner, as well as a doctor, Phil easily mixed wit with more serious comments about the NHS - one minute revealing embarrassing medical stories that are best not repeated to anyone of a delicate disposition and the next highlighting ethical questions faced by his profession.

From sexual health clinics to dying, helped by a collection of T-shirts bearing a variety of useful slogans - and other props possibly never previously seen in the Armstrong Hall - Dr Phil certainly contributed to the well-being of those who giggled along with the genial GP.

By Lynne Hutchinson